IT'S all systems go as Bridport and west Dorset heads into 'the busiest summer ever'.

The local tourism industry is preparing for a bumper season - and accommodation providers are saying bookings are coming in thick and fast as visitors opt for UK holidays amid uncertainty over foreign travel.

Paul Loud, owner of the Haddon House Hotel in West Bay and Chesil Beach Lodge in Burton Bradstock, says he's been taking as many as ten bookings a day.

He said: “It’s going to be a very busy season I think. We’re all very much looking forward to it, we need to get back to normal.

“At Haddon House, bookings are starting to come in really fast. I think people have been waiting to book, to make sure the government won’t do a U-turn but as we’re getting closer people are getting less apprehensive. Both venues are pretty booked up for next few months.

"People are beginning to get more confident – especially older people who have been vaccinated. We just need the weather now."

He added: “People in this country seem to live for the holidays, so the UK is going to be really busy this summer. It could be the busiest summer in years and I think people need it."

Hotels are permitted to reopen from Monday, May 17. This will allow two households to stay together or a total of six people from different households.

People have been able to stay in self-contained accommodation from April 12 - only with members of the same household or bubble.

Chief Constable of Dorset Police, James Vaughan, said last month that 'it is highly likely this summer will be our busiest summer ever'.

James Loveridge, marketing manager of West Dorset Leisure Holidays - which owns Highlands End Holiday Park at Eype, said: "We are expecting another busy season, which great for local businesses after a difficult 12 to 18 months.

"This summer is close to fully booked already with people opting for staycations amid the uncertainty and other bookings being transferred forward from 2020. In our marketing, we really promote the unique experiences guests can have and the beautiful places they can visit while in West Dorset and we hope it will be a strong season for many of the businesses in the local area.

"The team are excited to get back to it this summer, we’ve continued the upkeep of the parks throughout and made improvements over the last few months. We’ve recently taken on a number of new team members, some seasonal and some permanent, as we try to offer year-round employment wherever possible."

Claire Dunn, who co-owns Norburton Hall Cottages in Burton Bradstock with her husband Richard, said: "We're looking very busy at the moment - we have a lot of returning guests who have been visiting for the last couple of years but also a lot of new enquiries.

"Some people are still hoping to go away later on in the year so we're receiving less bookings after summer but we are getting a lot of bookings from families. Some families are coming as often as three times over the year - I think with international holidays potentially not being possible this year more people are keen to explore this area.

"The benefit of the lack of international travel means that people get to experience places they otherwise wouldn't within their own country. We relish having new people here who we can help experience this part of the country."

West Bay Holiday Park has been given a £400,000 boost ahead of its reopening to refurbish the park's bar and restaurant and creating a new outdoor seating area for alfresco dining.

A spokesperson for owner Parkdean Resorts said: “West Bay Holiday Park was fully booked last summer as families enjoyed well-deserved breaks together, and trading is strong for this summer as well, which is great news for the local economy.

“We’re seeing people booking longer stays than previous years as families look to spend their main holiday with us, and we’ve also seen consistent demand for our holiday homes, suggesting that people have well and truly fallen in love with the 'staycation'.”

Robert Mühl, president of Bridport Business Chamber, said: “All the signs are that our region is set for a very busy summer, as people look to ‘Escape the Everyday’ by flocking to areas like rural Dorset and the Jurassic Coast.

“A healthy tourist economy benefits all businesses and local businesses will be doing their utmost to provide visitors with the warm welcome that Bridport is famous for.

“Together, we’re stronger. Bridport Business Chamber is always here to support all businesses through these changing times.”